The Drowsy Chaperone

Photo Credit: Alan Martin/AMSI

Reviewed by: Patricia Connor on 24 Feb 2014
Venue: Greenbank Theatre Southport 18-22 Feb 2014
Type of Production:  Musical
Music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar

Directed by James Hughes –Alty
Choreographer: Joyce Court
Musical Director: Charles Moss

‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ has music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, from the book written by Bob Martin and Don McKellar .The show revolves around a man sitting in his chair listening to a recording of a 1928 mythical musical called ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ and as he listens to the recording the characters from the show appear on stage and we are transported to the wedding day of Oil tycoon Robert Martin and Broadway star Janet Van De Graaff. The action revolves around Broadway Producer Mr Feldzieg’s efforts to persuade Janet not to go ahead with the wedding but to continue starring in his Broadway productions ’The Feldzieg Follies’. As I had never seen this show before I was looking forward to this production and I certainly wasn't disappointed as this was an outstanding colourful bright production with plenty of energy and razzle-dazzle of the 1920s.

The outstanding cast were very talented and all suited their roles very well, there were no weak links and all the characterisations were spot on. The American accents were very good and dialogue could be heard very well. They all worked well together with superb comic timing which was very important in a production of this nature. Although I haven't named the other members of the cast individually as they were all outstanding I feel I should mention Stephen Hughes- Alty for his performance of ‘Man in Chair’as he was the glue that held everything together and his timing was superb. His rapport with the audience was very good which was very important as without it I feel this show would not work. The hidden Orchestra led by Musical Director Charles Moss played very well supporting and accompanying the performers very well and choreography by Joyce Court was performed well and fitted the era and the show well

Costumes were very bright and colourful and suited the characters and roles well, also hair and makeup was very fitting for the era. Scenery was minimalistic but more than adequate so well done to the stage crew props and also sound and lighting.
I must congratulate Director James Hughes- Alty and all involved in this superb production I really enjoyed my evening’s entertainment. I hope to see you for your next production thank you for inviting me.